University of Southern California
MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence
Last reviewed June 2026 by the AI Graduate editorial team. Program data is compiled and verified from official university sources — see our methodology.
How this program compares
University of Southern California's MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence lists about $85.3K total tuition — about 99% above the $42.9K AI master's average (92nd percentile in our data). It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.
Admission Snapshot
Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science or a related field, with strong performance in core courses like algorithms, data structures, and AI; those from other fields may qualify with at least three core CS courses and one related math course. A minimum TOEFL score of 90 (20 per section) is required for international students.
About This Program
USC's MS in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence specialization combines a strong CS department with access to USC's Information Sciences Institute, a major AI research center. Coursework spans machine learning, NLP, robotics, and computer vision.
Located in Los Angeles, the program offers strong connections to entertainment, gaming, and a growing West Coast tech sector, making it attractive for students targeting applied AI roles in those industries.
Why students choose it: Strong CS + ISI research access with LA's entertainment and tech hiring network.
Career Outcomes
University of Southern California positions this master track for Machine Learning Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $140,000. Its focus on Computer Vision and Machine Learning maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.
- 1. AI Research Scientist
- 2. Machine Learning Engineer
- 3. Computer Vision Specialist
- 4. NLP Engineer
What You'll Learn
- Develop advanced machine learning models for predictive analytics and decision-making.
- Apply computer vision techniques for image recognition and object detection.
- Build natural language processing systems for text analysis and generation.
- Design deep learning architectures for complex AI applications.
Curriculum Highlights
Required coursework includes analysis of algorithms, foundations of AI, deep learning, and specialized electives in vision, robotics, or NLP.
Top Employers
Top employers include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and AI research labs at companies like OpenAI and NVIDIA.
Admissions
Admission to University of Southern California's MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is not required here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.
Application Materials
- Statement of Purpose: Required
- Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
- Resume: Required
- Transcripts: Official transcripts required
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose University of Southern California's MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence?
This specialized track offers rigorous training in the theories and applications of deep learning and advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Does University of Southern California offer the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence in an online format?
Yes — University of Southern California lists this program as on-campus, online, and it can be taken full-time. Confirm on-campus residency requirements, if any, on the official program page.
How much does the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence cost?
We estimate total tuition at roughly $85.3K, above the $42.9K average for comparable AI master's programs in our database. Tuition changes yearly and excludes fees and living costs, so treat this as a planning figure and confirm with University of Southern California.
Does the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence require the GRE?
No — University of Southern California does not require the GRE for this program, which is increasingly common among AI programs. A strong transcript, projects and recommendation letters carry more weight.
How long does the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence take to complete?
Most students finish in about 2 years for full-time enrollment. Accelerated or part-time tracks may change the timeline.
What jobs can you get with the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence?
Graduates commonly pursue roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported pay around $140,000. Actual outcomes depend on your prior experience, portfolio and location — see our AI salary guide for current, source-cited ranges.
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